Chioma Ezike
One of the major challenges facing the Distribution Companies is Energy Theft, so says the Zonal Head Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, IBEDC, Ogun Region, Mr Abdulrazak Jimoh.
Speaking to newsmen at the on – going three day Electricity Consumers Forum organised by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) in collaboration with the Sango/Ota Area Community Development Committee, Mr Jimoh who lamented that Distribution Companies are most times running financial deficit of the amount of energy supplied to consumers due to some illegalities being done by electricity consumers to sideline payment of electricity bills said this has resulted “” Energy Theft “” by the DISCOs .
Mr Jimoh further advised electricity consumers to follow due process in acquiring ” Prepaid meters”” and ask questions where necessary as well as avoid cutting corners.
In a reaction Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) consumers threatened to migrate to other energy distribution companies if IBEDC does not improve on its services.
The consumers complained of purchasing transformers by themselves, kits for IBEDC workers, arbitrarily billings, customer abuses, lack of pre-paid meters, disregard to capping, adding that they were tired of the lackadaisical attitude of IBEDC workers towards their customers.
Addressing reporters, the Chairman of the Zonal Community Development Committee for Ado Odo Ota, Prince Olatunji Onaolapo, alleged that the community had bought up to 200 transformers because when a new one is needed or replacement is needed, IBEDC usually leave the communities to their fate.
“In Itele axis, the communities have purchased more than 80 transformers, including communities in Ado Ota. In all, we have purchased up to 200 transformers because this area is still developing.” Mr Onaolapo said
He alleged that members of the community were coughing out between N4million and N5million for each transformer in the past, ‘’but now the price is much higher.
Earlier in an opening remark , the Executive Vice Chairman of the Federal Consumer Competition and Protection Commission, FCCPCC Mr Tunji Bello who was represented by Mrs Bridget Etim from Ibadan Zonal Office of the FCCPC said the Electricity Consumer Forum is designed to bridge gaps between consumers and service providers in the electricity industry pointing out that electricity is not merely a commodity rather a vital service that powers livelihoods, businesses, and progress.
The FCCPC bosss however regretted that , the industry has continued to grapple with persistent issues such as insufficient metering, billing inaccuracies, and infrastructure challenges, all of which require urgent and collaborative resolution.
Mr Bello said a non-adversarial forum for dialogue such as this would help Consumers gain clarity on their rights and responsibilities, while Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company’s case workers will be available to address grievances on-the-spot.
This he explained aligned with FCCPC core mandate to ensure that consumer protection is practical, accessible, and responsive and at the heart of the FCCPC’s interventions is the recognition that electricity consumers are entitled to fairness, transparency, and accountability.
Mr Bello further stated that the commission is guided by commitment under the FCCPC Act to inform and educate consumers about their rights, Facilitate complaint resolution and redress, encourage fair trade practices among service providers, andPromote collaborative engagement that ultimately improves service delivery across the sector.
While urging all participants to approach the discussions with mutual respect, openness, and a shared commitment to building a fairer electricity market for the benefit of all.
Correspondent Chioma Ezike reports that the three day Electricity forum for complaints resolution is being attended by the management of IBEDC , National Electricity Regulatory Commission and the Sango Ota community.